by Jane Lambert

Revvnant’s Brand New Album “Death Drive” – A Dark, Genre Defying Journey Through Human Nature

Revvnant’s brand new album Death Drive is a record forged from emotional intensity, political awareness and something of an unflinching reflection on the state of the world.

Across its eight full songs and one experimental interlude, the album explores despair and rage as well as moments of fragile hope, pulling the listener into its atmospheric vortex.

Listen here:

The tracks themselves are as diverse as they are visceral with each one carrying a specific narrative. The opener “Death Cult” lashes out at Christian Nationalism with ferocious energy, while “Horror” functions as a call to action against the rise of American fascism.

“Rise” is a meditation on climate despair, pairing mournful piano with swirling Mellotron, Moog synths and hypnotic drum programming. “Alien World” reflects on the disorientation of the Covid pandemic, whereas “Neukölln” captures the tension between depression and wanderlusting euphoria. Songs like “Rusted Hearts” and “Damascus” witness urban poverty, addiction and cycles of extreme violence across the globe, meanwhile the closing track “Into the Grey” channels the awe and terror of mountains into a sprawling and immersive sonic landscape.

The production on this album is a careful balance between an expansive sound and something more inwardly intense. Schutzman recorded and produced the majority of the album in his home studio, layering piano, synthesizers, drum programming and vocals with a meticulous ear.

Guest musicians include guitarists, bassists, drummers and backing vocalists who all add a depth and texture that enhances the album without overshadowing its overall core vision. All vocals were recorded and the album mixed by J. Robbins at Magpie Cage Studio in Baltimore, and mastered by Paul Logus at PLX Mastering.

What makes Death Drive particularly compelling is its texture and the way it combines different influences. From the brooding and dark atmospherics of industrial and doom, the hypnotic pulse of trip hop, and the melodic sensibilities of dream pop all converge. There is an overall tension throughout between glimmers of beauty and hope, with chaos and doom, hope with despair, all mirroring the human impulses it explores.

Schutzman explains:

“The underlying theme of this album is in the title – Human nature’s fundamental drive toward self destruction, as exemplified by our current world.

David Lynch once said he didn’t like making films with only one genre. I’m the same way with my music. I love for a band like Radiohead is equally important to the inspiration I take from Black Sabbath. The power of Paul Simon’s songwriting has shaped me as much as that of Trent Reznor.

I let all of my influences bleed together, consciously and unconsciously, until they stew into something I hope resembles like originality. The sound can make ‘industry’ people scratch their heads, but I don’t care. It’s who I am musically, and can’t do anything to hide it.”

For listeners willing to engage, Death Drive is an immersive and truly thought provoking journey. It’s music that demands attention, reflection and shows Revvnant’s commitment to intensity and artistic integrity.

About Revvnant

Revvnant is the creation of Elias Schutzman, formerly the drummer for The Flying Eyes and Black Lung. Moving beyond percussion, Schutzman embraced analog synthesizers, drum machines, Mellotron, fuzz pedals and lead vocals to create a project that draws inspiration from trip hop, dream pop, industrial and doom.

Although this is primarily his solo vision, Revvnant often expands into a collaborative collective, featuring contributors on guitar, bass, drums, keys and backing vocals. The project’s first show was a sold out support slot for Orville Peck in 2019, followed by appearances at festivals such as Freak Valley Festival, sharing stages with Black Mountain, High On Fire, and Red Fang.

Find out more about Revvnant on here

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music

08.26.25

by Jane Lambert

Leaving Without Regrets in Reeya Banerjee’s Brand New Album “This Place”

On her brand new album This Place, Reeya Banerjee proves that home isn’t always a fixed location. Home can be a feeling, a memory or even a song. The record is equal parts intimate reflection and widescreen arena rock.

The album opens with an immediacy that pulls the listener into Banerjee’s world. Her vocals are warm, commanding and human, serving as the album’s compass and guiding us through songs of transition, loss, resilience and love that holds steady through change.

Standout tracks like “Snow” shimmers with atmosphere, while “Misery of Place” rides a darker, restless energy that nods to Banerjee’s rock instincts. “For The First Time” finds strength in its vulnerability, and the closing track “Upstate Rust” is nothing short of an anthem – its soaring choruses and full band firepower leave the listener uplifted and changed. Each track carries its own weight, but together they form a cohesive narrative about moving forwards while carrying the places and people that have shaped you.

The album fuses indie rock grit with dreamlike textures, bringing in influences that range from R.E.M. to Florence + The Machine without ever losing Banerjee’s distinctive voice. Her longtime collaborators in The Merseyside Darby breathe life into the musical arrangements, their chemistry palpable in every layered harmony and guitar lines.

What makes This Place so striking is not just its richness and emotional generosity. Banerjee doesn’t shy away from complexity. She embraces it, creating a body of work that feels both grounded and expansive. This is the kind of album that grows with each listen, offering new corners to explore and moments to hold close.

This Place is a record about movement, memory and the enduring beauty of connection. It’s like a map of the heart.

Keep up to date with Reeya Banerjee on her Website

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music

11.19.24

by Jane Lambert

Blonde & Grey’s New Album Release “Drifting Through The Universe” – A Journey Across Decades and Emotions

Blonde & Grey’s latest album release “Drifting Through The Universe” is a thoughtful, immersive dive into classic rock-inspired melodies layered with a contemporary edge.

Kathy Olsen and Neil Friend have created something special here – this is a record that feels as though it’s been lovingly pieced together from the past while gazing firmly toward the future.

The lead single, “All The Time,” is the perfect opener, with Olsen’s soulful vocals and Friend’s effortlessly smooth guitar work creating a sound that is comforting and fresh. It’s a song that sticks with you, warm and melodic, like it’s been waiting on your favorite playlist.

Listen in here:

Friend says about the song:

“I started looping a beat and then record 20-30 seconds of some music on top of that and then toss on some lyrics without spending time worrying about what was coming out – just record it! I took 10 of these and asked the Blonde & Grey community which they like best and this one won.

I used the initial lyrics as the chorus – “All the Time Wondering how it’s gonna be…” I later added verses and a bridge.

I suppose the thinking is we are always wondering what’s to happen next, based on what/who we’re following, decisions we make, where we’ve gone. And it’s an endless process.“

The rest of the album unfolds like a story as it moves through tender reflections and lighter, playful moments.

“Since I Got You” has a breezy sweetness, while “Let’s Jangle” lives up to its name, full of charm and bright energy. Olsen’s flute dances through the arrangements, adding a magical, almost whimsical quality to the songs. It’s a touch that sets them apart and reminds you of the days when rock was unafraid to experiment.

This album feels like a leap forward from their previous release, Face the Music. There’s a stronger sense of identity here, as though Blonde & Grey have really leaned into what makes them unique.

Tracks like “Mud Mills Road” and “Gracie’s Grace” from their earlier work hinted at their potential, but Drifting Through The Universe delivers on it, with a sound that is both cohesive and diverse.

Blonde & Grey have always been about connection, and you can feel that here. Not just in the songs, but in the spirit of the album. They’ve built a reputation as incredible live performers, whether that is in small, cozy venues or online streams, and that authenticity translates beautifully into this record.

About Blonde & Grey

Blonde & Grey, the dynamic duo of Neil Friend and Kathy Olsen, are a true example of the enduring power of music to bridge time, generations, and genres.

Based in Danbury, Connecticut, the duo bring together their unique musical backgrounds into a sound that’s as heartfelt as it is versatile.

Neil Friend, singer-songwriter and guitarist, brings decades of experience from playing in New York’s iconic CBGB scene to crafting songs that traverse decades. His partner, Kathy Olsen, adds a touch of elegance with her virtuosic flute playing and radiant harmonies and draws on her classical training and years as a music educator.

Together, they have cultivated a style that is equal parts folk, rock, and modern pop, infused with nostalgia and innovation in equal measure.

If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, The Moody Blues, or just music that feels honest and deeply human, then their new album “Drifting Through The Universe” deserves your time.

Keep up to date with Blonde & Grey on their Website.

Listen to “Drifting Through The Universe” here.

Stream music on Spotify and Soundcloud.

06.04.24

by Jane Lambert

Composer Steven Chesne Releases New Album “Descendants (in 79 languages)” – an Album Celebrating Unity and Interconnectedness for the Modern Age

In a world fraught with division and conflict, Steven Chesne’s new album, ‘Descendants (in 79 Languages)’ offers a refreshing reminder of our shared humanity.

Set to release worldwide on July 19, 2024, “Descendants” (on Brahmasong Records) is an eclectic concept album.

Bringing together World-Beat, Electronica, New Age, and Neo-Classic styles, the core message of “Descendants” is encapsulated in the phrase “We are the descendants,” which is presented in 79 languages, including French, Portuguese, Igbo, Khmer, Xhosa, Korean and Ukrainian.

This ambitious project took Chesne four years to complete—a journey that involved meticulous translation work, unique musical compositions that interweave the 79 languages, and global collaboration with vocalists. The first year was spent obtaining accurate translations from native speakers and crafting melodies for each phrase. Another year was dedicated to recording sessions with vocalists from diverse locales such as Madagascar, Albania, Kenya, and the Netherlands. The remaining two years focused on composing additional tracks and refining the production aspects.

Chesne says, “While there are countless things that various people and cultures disagree about, even to the point of violence, one thing that all of us accept in common is the fact that we all descend from a common source, whatever that may be.”

The lyrics are simple: “We are the descendants,” which function as the unifying building blocks of the songs. The music has an otherworldly beauty, sometimes joyous, other times deep and profound, exploring an eclectic diversity of world beats and contemporary experimentation, without becoming fully ensconced in any style. It excites the soul and nourishes the spirit, honoring cultural heritage worldwide and presenting it in a modern context.

An impressive lineup of artists is featured, including Platinum recording artist rapper Fredo Bang, Uyanga Bold (vocalist in Disney’s “Mulan” and Marvel’s “Spiderman”), Christina Hals (vocalist in Disney’s “Frozen 1&2” and “League of Legends”), Chhom Nimol (lead singer of “Peter Gabriel presents Dengue Fever”), members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and two-time Grammy award-winning vocalist Hila Plitmann. These fantastic collaborations bring a rich, authentic sound to the album.

It feels like Disney’s “It’s A Small World” but for the modern age. Descendants (in 79 languages) is a sophisticated, complex, contemporary work that takes the listener on a journey through sounds as unique as they are captivating.

Steven Chesne’s music career spans more than three decades. From scoring prime-time network shows to creating “Sapient: A Cantata of Peace,” Chesne has an extraordinary talent and dedication to fostering unity through music.

The upcoming album “Descendants (in 79 languages)” promises to fascinate listeners worldwide, starting July 19th, 2024.

Check out the album’s video tour here and discover more about Steven Chesne at www.chezworks.com.

04.09.24

by Jane Lambert

Peter Calandra Shows Brilliance with new Album Release “Spirit”

Peter Calandra’s latest album, “Spirit,” offers a captivating blend of emotive piano compositions and ambient soundscapes, providing a sanctuary for listeners amidst the chaos of the modern world.

This brand new album consists of 10 original tracks as well as 3 re-imagined classics, reflecting Calandra’s journey from his teenage years to the present day.

The original compositions were curated from material improvised during the pandemic, recorded during Calandra’s Saturday Night Live Sets on YouTube. From these sessions, favorite pieces were selected to be included on the album, all of which are improvised. “Spirit” also features cover songs from Calandra’s earlier days performing in bar bands.

Each track on “Spirit” is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, with the album unfolding like a series of paintings. Layers of sound are carefully blended together.

Tracks such as “Joyful Light,” “Fading Memories,” and “Night Sky” show Calandra’s ability to convey deep emotions through delicate piano solos and ethereal textures.

A standout track on the album is “Layla,” where Calandra reinterprets this classic Eric Clapton song with serene notes and touches of gospel that bring a fresh perspective on the familiar melody.

Overall, “Spirit” offers a reprieve from the noise of the world, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its beauty and solace. Calandra’s musical expertise shines through in every composition, reflecting his diverse career spanning Broadway productions, film scoring, and composing for prestigious events.

Peter Calandra, based in New York City, is a versatile composer, keyboardist, and guitarist renowned for his contributions to various realms of the music industry. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Calandra has left an indelible mark through his prolific output and diverse musical endeavors.

Notably, Calandra’s expertise in composing extends to the realm of film, where he has scored over 100 films, bringing his distinctive musical touch to a wide array of cinematic productions.

Additionally, his compositions have graced television screens globally, with over 2500 pieces created for TV broadcast.

Calandra’s talent for crafting memorable theme songs has garnered widespread acclaim, with his compositions for network television, including the FIFA World Cup Theme for Fox Sports, The Special Olympics World Games Theme for ESPN, and the Invictus Games Theme for ESPN, standing out as for his versatility as a composer.

In addition to his work in film and television, Calandra has established himself as a prolific recording artist, having released 15 albums of original music.

Calandra has also graced stages around the world, serving as a keyboardist for iconic productions such as the original Little Shop Of Horrors, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, and The Lion King. His performances, both in theater orchestras as well as alongside esteemed artists such as NY Pops, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Aretha Franklin, further exemplify an ability to be versatile in genre.

Calandra shares his expertise as a teacher at the Aaron Copland School Of Music at Queens College, CUNY in New York City. Through his teaching, he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.

Keep up to date with Peter Calandra:

Website / Facebook / Spotify / YouTube Music / Soundcloud

04.08.24

by Jane Lambert

Faint Halos Drops New Single “Something To Lose” Ahead of Album Release – A Must-Listen for Indie Rock Fans!

Faint Halos, the brainchild of singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Hashemi, has released their latest single, “Something To Lose,” from the eagerly awaited album “I can see a million lights.”

With a captivating blend of raw emotion and undeniable charm, “Something To Lose” delves into the introspective territory of questioning life choices, especially those that pertain to love and lost love.

Originally conceived with a modern rock sound upon its initial release in 2022, Paul Hashemi has taken the song in a fresh direction opting for a more intimate acoustic setup.

Reflecting on this fresh new take, Hashemi shares:

“After the original release, I felt drawn to explore a different dimension of the song. Stripping away the layers revealed a tender, almost folky quality that I wanted to bring to the forefront.”

The track narrates a poignant tale of lost love with intricate emotional lyrics and instrumentation.

“Something To Lose” exudes a lighthearted charm, seamlessly blending old-school indie rock sounds with a contemporary edge. With unconventional instrumentation, including a sofa repurposed as a kick drum, and the melodic richness of the accordion, Hashemi has an innovative approach within the indie rock genre.

The result is a refreshing departure in a sometimes-stagnant music scene of indie rock music today.

“Something To Lose” was recorded, mixed, and mastered in Paul’s home studio in Berwyn, Pennsylvania;. Vocals were also tracked at home in North Carolina. The instrumentation is two acoustic guitars, an accordion, and some couch slaps/floor stomps. (Although truth be told, the accordion and percussion were both MIDI and not real).

Paul’s daughter Cate joins in too, with vocal harmonies, lending a really bright sound.

Based in Philadelphia, Paul Hashemi is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is influenced by his formal training in classical piano, viola, and violin, and has taken much from the vibrant music scene of the 1990s, touring extensively with various rock bands along the East Coast.

Paul says: “I play a half-dozen instruments and could never just focus on being a “singer” or “guitarist”, which is a really intriguing quality.

Despite a hiatus from music to prioritize familial responsibilities, Hashemi rediscovered his passion during the pandemic lockdown of 2020.

Under the moniker Faint Halos, he embarked on a new chapter in his musical career, crafting deeply introspective songs that explore themes of adulthood, fatherhood, and societal progress.

Connect with Faint Halos:
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

Listen to “Something To Lose” on Spotify and YouTube Music.